8. Building a dhow
Dhows are primarily built using teak wood, a durable material sourced from India, especially from regions like Malabar and Gujarat. Teak is valued for its high oil content, which makes it resistant to water damage, pests, and rot—ideal for maritime use. The shipbuilders, often from Oman, Yemen, and the Indian coastline, use techniques passed down through generations. The timber includes large squared logs for keels and stems, with crooked branches selected for frames and knees.
The hulls are stitched together using coir (coconut fiber) rope, a traditional method known as sewn-boat construction. This technique, dating back centuries, is distinct from the nailed plank construction seen in European ships. Coir rope stitching allows for flexibility in the ship’s structure, which is advantageous in stormy seas, as it helps absorb the shock of rough waters. This method adapts to the seasonal weather of the Indian Ocean. The sewing technique, often using wooden dowels for added strength, is also practiced in some regions. Some dhows, however, are built with nails made by local smiths, which are driven through pre-bored holes using bow drills.
The construction process begins by squaring a log for the keel and laying it level on blocks. The stem and sternposts are tenoned into the keel and reinforced with iron plates, but no frames are set up initially. Instead, planking starts immediately, with the first plank (garboard strake) set in a groove chiseled into the keel and nailed down from the inside. The planks are fastened individually, with each shaped and twisted by eye using temporary crooks for support. Frames are installed later, and the crooked wood is trimmed with adzes to fit the planking.
The lateen sails, triangular in shape, are made from cotton or palm fibers. These sails enable dhows to sail against the wind, an important feature for navigating the monsoon-driven winds that dominate the region. The sails are manually adjusted by skilled sailors, and the ability to catch the monsoon winds is crucial to the efficiency of the sailing ship. Teak wood is used for the hull, while mangrove wood is used for internal supports. Palm leaves provide material for shelters on deck.
The shipbuilders rely entirely on their experience, without molds or drawings, using traditional craftsmanship and tools. Hand axes, adzes, chisels, and bow drills are essential for shaping and assembling the materials. As planking is finished, the hull is faired off with delicate cuts from hand tools, seams are caulked with cotton, and the wood is treated with oil for protection.